Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada have developed what is apparently the world’s first “flying microrobot,” something that’s capable of manipulating tiny objects that are much too small to be handled by directly by humans alone.

The microrobot flies and levitates with the assistance of a magnetic field, which becomes its domain of activity. The ‘bot can shimmy around dexterously in three dimensions and manipulate microscale objects with magnets attached to its microgrippers. A laser-focusing beam remotely controls the grippers, allowing even further precision in the field of operations. Laser sensors and cameras can monitor the device, allowing the microbot’s human colleagues to assist in operations.

Applications for micro-manipulation,…

Check out this awesome, treaded, browser-operated surveillance robot. This thing is like a piece of interplanetary exploration technology, miniaturized and re-designed for your own fiendish convenience. The robot utilizes a 1000 MIPS 500 MHz Blackfin BF537 processor and a mini video camera to roam and transmit video feet live to the Internet. It’s got WiFi technology that allows it to seamlessly interface with a PC. Console software allows users to monitor and control the ‘bot from any web browser via a built-in web server. Check out these features:

• Robot is controlled through a web browser and has live video feed.
• Features a tele-operation mode to control robot via console software or remotely…

Unveiled at London’s Science Museum is an affable chap by the name of Berti, who happily plays a game of paper, rock, scissors with human challengers. Berti uses sensors to detect outcomes as wins, losses, or draws. Berti is surprisingly articulate and can gesture in numerous ways.

Berti, who appears here as a jumble of wires and colors, expresses himself merely as a hand. That’s quite enough, though, for him to get his point across. Interested participants were pleased to interact with him in a casual and amicable way, across the table, just as old chums do.

Berti is short for Bristol Elumotion Robotic Torso 1. That’s quite a name, old bean.…